The Government of Canada recently announced the launch of the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program. The $27.2-million contribution program will help Canadian ports install shore power technology, also called marine shore power or cold-ironing, which is a technology that allows ships to turn off their diesel engines while docked, and connect to an electrical power supply at the port facility. This technology will improve local air quality by reducing air pollution from ships in some of Canada’s largest urban areas.
The Shore Power Technology for Ports Program builds on Transport Canada’s Marine Shore Power Program that was introduced in 2007 and that will conclude in March 2012. This test program provided $2 million to Port Metro Vancouver to install shore power technology for cruise ships and $1.8 million to Port of Prince Rupert to support the installation of shore power for container ships.
Following consultations with port authorities and terminal operators, a call for proposals will be issued. Canadian port authorities and private entities engaged in operating and/or that own marine ports and terminals in Canada will be eligible for funding.